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Lawmakers seek help for struggling dairy producers
More than 60 U.S. lawmakers are asking Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack to provide emergency financial assistance to the nation’s dairy producers.
The lawmakers say the Margin Protection Program isn’t enough to help struggling producers. MPP only makes up for some losses after margins fall below $4.00 per hundredweight after two consecutive months.
Lawmakers want Vilsack to use his existing Farm Bill authority to expand and maintain U.S. domestic dairy markets, and to encourage more consumption through government-backed dairy donation programs.
Dairy farmers have seen prices fall about 40 percent in the past two years as U.S. production has increased. Europe has had overproduction after phasing out milk quotas. Russia has also cut its purchases of European dairy products, dropping prices further and putting more pressure on producers.
The letter was authored by Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy, and was signed by 44 Democrats and 15 Republicans.
Give me a break. More government welfare programs! Definitely not what this country needs. If the production has increased and the price has fallen accordingly, try reducing production, not ask for government handouts. I’m sure some producers understand the supply/demand curve as it relates to pricing, and capitalism. Apparently not the fine senator from Vermont and several other socialist representatives.